DOUGLAS A. DUCEY
- GOVERNOR -
VICTORIA WHITMORE
~ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR -
ARIZONA STATE VETERINARY MEDICAL EXAMINING BOARD
1740 W. ADAMS ST., STE. A6OO - PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85007
PHONE: (602) 364-1-PET - FAX: (602) 364-1039
VETBOARD.AZ.GOV
MINUTES
March 16, 2022
Board Room A, at 8:30 a.m.
1740 W. Adams Street, Board Room A
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Members Present: Mr. Jim Loughead, Ms. Jane Soloman, Dr. Robyn Jaynes, Dr. Melissa
Thompson, Dr. Craig Nausley, Ms. Nikki Frost, CVT (telephonic), Dr. Greg Byrne and Dr. Darren
Wright.
Members Absent: Ms. Jessica Creager.
Staff and Legal Counsel Present: Ms. Victoria Whitmore, Executive Director; Mr. Marc Harris, AAG
(Assistant Attorney General); and Ms. Tracy Riendeau, CVT, Senior Medical Investigator.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Roll call: Ms. Whitmore at 8:35 a.m.
Il. INITIAL INVESTIGATIVE REVIEW AND ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING CASES:
1. 22-17, In Re: John Oplinger, DVM
After discussion and consideration, a motion was made by Dr. Wright and seconded by Dr.
Jaynes to disagree with the Investigative Committee's recommendation and offer Dr.
Oplinger a Consent Agreement and adopt the proposed Findings of Fact in the
Investigative Committee’s Report as the Board's Findings of Fact. Roll call: Dr. Byrne, aye; Dr.
Nausley, aye; Ms. Frost, aye; Dr. Jaynes, aye; Dr. Wright, aye; Mr. Loughead, aye; Ms.
Soloman, aye; and Dr. Thompson, aye. Motion passed unanimously.
After further discussion and consideration, a motion was made by Dr. Wright and seconded
by Dr. Jaynes to find Dr. Oplinger in violation of ARS§ 32-2232 (21) as it relates to AAC R3-11-
502 (L) (4), (5), (7) (d), and (11) - medical record keeping violations. The Consent
Agreement shall include a period of Probation for 6 months to complete 2 hours of
continuing education in medical record keeping, in addition to the statutory requirements
to maintain licensure. The Consent Agreement shall also include a civil penalty of $250 to
be paid on or before the period of Probation. If Dr. Oplinger does not sign the Consent
Agreement, the matter will be scheduled for an Informal Interview. Roll call: Dr. Byrne, aye;
Dr. Nausley, aye; Ms. Frost, aye; Dr. Jaynes, aye; Dr. Wright, aye; Mr. Loughead, aye; Ms.
Soloman, aye; and Dr. Thompson, aye. Motion passed unanimously. °
Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board — March 16, 2022 — Regular Session Minutes Page 1
2. 22-18, In Re: Wendy Hancock, DVM
After discussion and consideration, a motion was made by Dr. Wright and seconded by Dr.
Byrne to accept the Investigative Committee's recommendation and dismiss this issue with
no violation. Motion passed unanimously.
3. 22-20, In Re: Sarah Ford, DVM
Attorney, David Stoll was present to monitor. Ms. Melanie Schmitt was present and made
statements. After discussion and consideration, a motion was made by Dr. Jaynes and
seconded by Ms. Soloman to schedule this matter to an Informal Interview. Motion passed
unanimously.
4. 22-21, In Re: Lisa Hatfield, DVM
Attorney, David Stoll was present to monitor. After discussion and consideration, a motion
was made by Dr. Wright and seconded by Dr. Nausley to accept the Investigative
Committee's recommendation and dismiss this issue with no violation. Motion passed 6
ayes, 2 nays (Ms. Soloman and Ms. Frost).
5. 22-19, In Re: Alejandro Aguirre, DVM
Attorney, David Stoll was present to monitor. After discussion and consideration, a motion
was made by Dr. Jaynes and seconded by Dr. Nausley to accept the Investigative
Committee’s recommendation and dismiss this issue with no violation. Motion passed
unanimously.
6. 22-23, In Re: Tara-Lyn Temple, DVM
Dr. Temple was present with attorney David Stoll and made statements. Mr. Marcos Carrillo
was present and made statements. After discussion and consideration, a motion was made
by Dr. Jaynes and seconded by Dr. Wright to offer Dr. Temple a Consent Agreement
adopting the Investigative Committee's Findings of Fact as the Board’s Findings of Fact -
finding Dr. Temple in violation of ARS § 32-2232 (12) as it relates to AAC R3-11-501 (1) failure
to meet Professional Acceptable Procedures. The Consent Agreement shall include a
Decree of Censure. Roll call: Dr. Byrne, aye; Dr. Nausley, aye; Ms. Frost, aye; Dr. Jaynes, aye;
Dr. Wright, aye; Mr. Loughead, aye; Ms. Soloman, aye; and Dr. Thompson, aye. Motion
passed unanimously.
7. 22-25, In Re: John McWhirter, DVM
Dr. McWhirter was present, made statements, and answered questions. After discussion and
consideration, a motion was made by Dr. Nausley and seconded by Dr. Byrne to schedule
this matter to an Informal Interview. Motion passed unanimously.
8. 22-26, In Re: Juli Maher, DVM
Dr. Maher was present with attorney David Stoll, made statements and answered questions.
After discussion and consideration, a motion was made by Dr. Nausley and seconded by
Ms. Soloman to schedule this matter to an Informal Interview. Motion passed unanimously.
9. 22-27, In Re: Jessica Day, DVM
After discussion and consideration, a motion was made by Dr. Byrne and seconded by Dr.
Jaynes to accept the Investigative Committee's recommendation and dismiss this issue
with no violation. Motion passed unanimously.
Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board — March 16, 2022 — Regular Session Minutes Page 2
10. 22-28, In Re: Heather Sanchez-Skultety, DVM
Attorney David Stoll was present to monitor. After discussion and consideration, a motion
was made by Dr. Thompson and seconded by Ms. Soloman to accept the Investigative
Committee’s recommendation and dismiss this issue with no violation. Motion passed
unanimously.
11. 22-60, In Re: Mary K. Burdick, DVM
Dr. Burdick was present and made statements. After discussion and consideration, a motion
was made by Ms. Frost and seconded by Dr. Byrne to dismiss this issue with no violation.
Motion passed 7 ayes, 1 nay (Ms. Soloman).
12. 22-68, In Re: Aaron Franko, DVM
Attorney David Stoll was present to monitor. After discussion and consideration, a motion
was made by Ms. Frost and seconded by Dr. Byrne to dismiss this issue with no violation.
Motion passed unanimously.
13. 22-94, In Re: Melanie Rettler, DVM
After discussion and consideration, a motion was made by Dr. Jaynes and seconded by Dr.
Wright to schedule this matter (in conjunction with 21-96) to a Formal Hearing. Roll call: Dr.
Byrne, aye; Dr. Nausley, aye; Ms. Frost, aye; Dr. Jaynes, aye; Dr. Wright, aye; Mr. Loughead,
aye; Ms. Soloman, aye; and Dr. Thompson, aye. Motion passed unanimously.
Ill. INFORMAL INTERVIEWS - BOARD DELIBERATION AND ACTION
1. 22-12, In Re: Barbara Guminski, DVM
Dr. Guminski was present with attorney David Stoll, made statements and answered
questions. Dr. Virginia Kern was present telephonically, made statements and answered
questions. Ms. Dominique Sprague was present telephonically, made statements and
answered questions. After discussion and consideration, a motion was made by Ms. Frost
and seconded by Dr. Wright to dismiss this issue with no violation. Roll call: Dr. Byrne, aye; Dr.
Nausley, aye; Ms. Frost, aye; Dr. Jaynes, aye; Dr. Wright, aye; Mr. Loughead, aye; Ms.
Soloman, aye; and Dr. Thompson, aye. Motion passed unanimously.
> At 11:14am, a motion was made by Dr. Wright and seconded by Ms. Soloman to go
into executive session for legal advice. Motion passed unanimously.
> At 11:20am, the Board entered back into open session.
After discussion and consideration, a motion was made by Dr. Wright and seconded by Ms.
Soloman to forward the possible forged letter to the County Attorney's office. Motion
passed 6 ayes, 2 nays (Ms. Frost and Dr. Byrne).
2. 22-10, In Re: Megan Buscema, DVM
Dr Buscema was present with attorney David Stoll, made statements and answered
questions. Mr. David Odiorne was present telephonically, made statements and answered
questions. After discussion and consideration, a motion was made by Dr. Nausley and
seconded by Dr. Wright to dismiss this issue with no violation. Roll call: Dr. Byrne, aye; Dr.
Nausley, aye; Ms. Frost, aye; Dr. Jaynes, aye; Dr. Wright, aye; Mr. Loughead, aye; Ms.
Soloman, aye; and Dr. Thompson, aye. Motion passed unanimously.
Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board — March 16, 2022 — Regular Session Minutes Page 3
3. 22-09, In Re: Lorna Lanman, DVM
Dr. Wright was recused. Dr. Lanman was present with attorney David Stoll, made statements
and answered questions. Mr. Hunger McGee and Ms. Yvette Harrington were present
telephonically, made statements and answered questions. After discussion and
consideration, a motion was made by Dr. Jaynes and seconded by Ms. Frost to dismiss this
issue with no violation and issue a Letter of Concern with respect to ensuring there is clear
communication with respect to aftercare when placing a splint and that the pet owner
understands; and two radiographic views are essential in orthopedic cases. Roll call: Dr.
Byrne, aye; Dr. Nausley, nay; Ms. Frost, aye; Dr. Jaynes, aye; Dr. Wright, recused; Mr.
Loughead, aye; Ms. Soloman, nay; and Dr. Thompson, nay. Motion passed 4 ayes, 3 nays
and | recusal.
4, 22-15, In Re: Heather Oyan, DVM
Dr. Oyan was present, made statements and answered questions. She provided additional
materials to the Board for their review. After discussion and consideration, a motion was
made by Dr. Jaynes and seconded by Dr. Byrne to dismiss this issue with no violation and
issue a Letter of Concern with respect to ensuring the premises remains compliant and for
Dr. Oyan to submit samples of the forms in use for the Board to review. Roll call: Dr. Byrne,
aye; Dr. Nausley, aye; Ms. Frost, aye; Dr. Jaynes, aye; Dr. Wright, nay; Mr. Loughead, aye;
Ms. Soloman, nay; and Dr. Thompson, aye. Motion passed 6 ayes, 2 nays.
5. 21-158: In Re: Catherine Byrnes, DVM - Continuance of Informal Interview of February
16, 2022, for the purpose of receiving additional information and reviewing possible action
to approve proposed Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and adopting an Order.
After discussion and consideration, a motion was made by Dr. Jaynes and seconded by Dr.
Wright to adopt the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law as drafted. Roll call: Dr.
Nausley, aye; Ms. Frost, aye; Ms. Creager, aye; Dr. Jaynes, aye; Mr. Loughead, aye; Ms.
Soloman, aye; and Dr. Thompson, aye. Motion passed unanimously.
After further discussion and consideration, a motion was made by Dr. Jaynes and seconded
by Dr. Byrne to issue Dr. Byrnes an Order that includes a period of Probation for 1-year to
obtain 4 hours of continuing education, in addition to the statutory requirements to maintain
licensure, in emergency medicine in relation to snakebite envenomation. The Order shall
also require Dr. Byrnes to reimburse Complainant's fees of $549.27 on or before the end of
the Probationary period. Roll call: Dr. Nausley, aye; Ms. Frost, aye; Ms. Creager, aye; Dr.
Jaynes, aye; Mr. Loughead, aye; Ms. Soloman, aye; and Dr. Thompson, aye. Motion passed
unanimously.
. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW OF PREVIOUS ACTIONS
1. 19-71: In Re: Celeste Roy, DVM. Quarterly appearance as required by Consent
Agreement. Board may review, discuss, and take action on information presented.
Dr. Roy appeared in compliance with her Consent Agreement.
2. 21-123: In Re: Edwin Kiesel, DVM. Board may review, discuss, and take action on
practice termination plan and proposed practice monitor.
After discussion and consideration, a motion was made by Dr. Wright and seconded by Dr.
Thompson to approve Dr. Kiesel’s proposed practice monitor. Roll call: Dr. Nausley, aye; Ms.
Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board — March 16, 2022 — Regular Session Minutes Page 4
Frost, aye; Ms. Creager, aye; Dr. Jaynes, aye; Mr. Loughead, aye; Ms. Soloman, aye; and Dr.
Thompson, aye. Motion passed unanimously.
3. 21-43: In Re: Christina (Nutter) Guttuso, DVM. Board may review, discuss, and take
action on Continuing Education completed in compliance with Board Order.
After discussion and consideration, a motion was made by Dr. Wright and seconded by Dr.
Jaynes to approve Dr. Guttuso's completed education continuing education in
compliance with her Board Order and return her license to Active status. Motion passed
unanimously.
4. 21-104: In Re: Hannah Blackman, DVM. Board may review, discuss, and take action on
Continuing Education completed in compliance with Consent Agreement.
After discussion and consideration, a motion was made by Dr. Wright and seconded by Dr.
Jaynes to approve Dr. Blackman'’s continuing education completed in compliance with her
Consent Agreement and return her license to Active status. Motion passed unanimously.
5. 21-96 and 22-51: In Re: Melanie Rettler, DVM. Board may review, discuss, and take
action to reconsider February 16, 2022 motion to combine cases.
> At 12:17pm, a motion was made by Dr. Jaynes and seconded by Ms. Soloman to go
into executive session for legal advice. Motion passed unanimously.
> At 12:40om, the Board entered back into open session.
After discussion and consideration, a motion was made by Dr. Jaynes and seconded by Dr.
Wright to rescind the motion to combine case 22-51 with 21-96, In Re: Melanie Rettler, DVM.
Roll call: Dr. Nausley, aye; Ms. Frost, aye; Ms. Creager, aye; Dr. Jaynes, aye; Mr. Loughead,
aye; Ms. Soloman, aye; and Dr. Thompson, aye. Motion passed unanimously.
6. 22-51: In Re: Melanie Rettler, DVM. Board may review, discuss, and take action on
investigative case.
After discussion and consideration, a motion was made by Dr. Jaynes and seconded by Dr.
Wright to dismiss this issue with no violation and issue a Letter of Concern for failure to timely
comply with a Board request. Roll call: Dr. Nausley, aye; Ms. Frost, aye; Ms. Creager, aye; Dr.
Jaynes, aye; Mr. Loughead, aye; Ms. Soloman, nay; and Dr. Thompson, aye. Motion passed
7 ayes, | nay (Ms. Soloman).
V. REPORTS, CORRESPONDENCE, REFERRALS AND OTHER BUSINESS
1. Board may review, discuss, and take action on case C-22-08, In Re: Julie Petersen,
unlicensed practitioner.
Ms. Peterson appeared, made statements and answered questions. After discussion and
consideration, a motion was made by Dr. Jaynes and seconded by Ms. Soloman to close
this matter. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Board may review, discuss, and take action on premises inspections:
a. RO279: Animal Hospital at Tatum Ranch. Mari Anger, DVM
No action taken.
Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board — March 16, 2022 — Regular Session Minutes Page 5
Vi.
b. P0951: Marana Veterinary Clinic. L. Clayton Wengert, DVM
After discussion and consideration, Board directed staff to re-inspect the premises to
ensure compliance.
3. Board may review, discuss, and take action on veterinarian applications:
a. Austin Gabelt
After discussion and consideration, a motion was made by Dr. Byrne and seconded by
Ms. Soloman to approve applicant Gabelt application. Motion passed unanimously.
4. Board may review, discuss, and take action on information received regarding David
Pitkin, DVM, disciplinary action by Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board.
After discussion and consideration, a motion was made by Dr. Wright and seconded by Dr.
Jaynes to open an investigation and offer Dr. Pitkin a Consent Agreement to comply with
the terms of the Consent Agreement offered by the Ohio Veterinary Board. Additionally, Dr.
Pitkin shall inform the Board biannually of any changes of the terms of the Ohio Veterinary
Board Consent Agreement and if he elects to provide veterinary services in Arizona. Motion
passed unanimously.
5. Board may review, discuss, and take action on American Association of Veterinary State
Boards’ Call for Nominations.
No action taken.
6. Board may review, discuss, and take action on International Council for Veterinary
Assessment (ICVA) updates to Letter of Agreement.
No action taken.
7. Board may review, discuss, and take action on information received on Bullseye K-9
Reproduction Services.
After discussion and consideration, a motion was made by Dr. Wright and seconded by Ms.
Soloman to open an investigation regarding Bullseye K-9 Reproduction Services. Motion
passed unanimously.
8. Board may review, discuss, and take action on International Council for Veterinary
Assessment (ICVA) Call for Nominations.
No action taken.
9. Board may review, discuss, and take action on information received regarding Yavapai
Emergency Animal Hospital.
Ms. Frost was recused. After discussion and consideration, a motion was made by Ms.
Soloman and seconded by Dr. Wright to open an investigation regarding the responsible
veterinarian for the premises and conduct of premises staff. Motion passed 7 ayes, |
recusal.
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. December 8, 2021 Executive Session
After discussion and consideration, a motion was made by Dr. Wright and seconded by Ms.
Soloman to approve the December 8, 2021 executive session minutes as drafted. Motion
passed unanimously.
Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board — March 16, 2022 — Regular Session Minutes Page 6
Vil.
2. February 16, 2022 Regular Session
After discussion and consideration, a motion was made by Ms. Soloman and seconded by
Dr.
Nausley to approve the February 16, 2022 regular session minutes as drafted. Motion
passed 5 ayes, 3 abstentions (Dr. Byrne, Dr. Wright and Ms. Frost).
3. February 16, 2022 Executive Session
After discussion and consideration, a motion was made by Ms. Soloman and seconded by
Dr.
Jaynes to approve the February 16, 2022 executive session minutes as amended. Motion
passed 6 ayes, 2 abstentions (Dr. Byrne and Dr. Wright).
CONSENT AGENDA
ie 20: OO) OS OT
Approval of Premises Licenses — Responsible Veterinarian listed
. R3860: Ist Pet Veterinary Center - Chandler Primary Care. New Premises. Justine
Mumaw, DVM
R3861: La Vida Animal Hospital. New Premises. Claire Rosen, DVM
R3863: Stanton Equine Veterinary Services, Inc. New Premises. Bailee Stanton, DVM
R3864: BluePearl Operations (Peoria). New Responsible Veterinarian. Kathryn McAdam,
DVM
R3865: Epic Veterinary Specialists. New Premises. Derek Mathews, DVM
R3868: Williams Veterinary Wellness. New Premises. Patrick Ryan Jr., DVM
R3869: Chaparral Veterinary Services. New Owner. Martin Crabo, DVM
R3870: Animal Health Services. New Responsible Veterinarian. Lane Smith, DVM
R3871: Dr. Kelly’s Mobile Unit —- Southeast Valley. New Premises. Jessica Schneider, DVM
.R3872: Healing Wise Holistic Veterinary Care @ Petz Place. New Owner. Jacqueline
Allgire, DVM
. R3873: Healing Wise Holistic Veterinary Care @ The Unique Pet Boutique. New Owner.
Jacqueline Allgire, DVM
.R3874: Healing Wise Holistic Veterinary Care @ Peoria Pet Market. New Owner.
Jacqueline Allgire, DVM
. R3875: Rosemont Pet Clinic. New Responsible Veterinarian. Mark Restey, VMD
. R3876: Sonoran Veterinary Center. New Owner. Julie Yeager, DVM
. R3877: Heidi's Village. New Responsible Veterinarian. Swaneth Portalatin, DVM
. R3878: Humane Society of Mohave County Animal Medical Center. New Address. Taylor
Williams, DVM
. R3879: West Phoenix Veterinary Hospital, New Premises. Gureetpal Grewal, BVSc
. R3880: Angel Vet. New Premises. Heidi Ellermeir, DVM
. R3881: Sunrise Mobile Veterinary Services LLC. New Premises. Lindy Egan, DVM
.R3882: Exceptional Pets - Cave Creek. New Responsible Veterinarian. Samantha
Lieberman, DVM
. R3884: BluePearl Operations, LLC (Avondale). New Responsible Veterinarian. Marlayna
Barnard, DVM
. R3891: Equine Veterinary, LLC. New Address. Otto Stanislaw, DVM
. R3869: Chaparral Veterinary Medical Center. New Owner. Martin Crabo, DVM
A (7), (9), (16) and (18) removed from Consent Agenda.
Approval of Premises Inspections granted.
Approval of Random Premises Inspections — Responsible Veterinarian Listed
a a a I I EE EE ee
Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board — March 16, 2022 — Regular Session Minutes Page 7
ROO88: Mari Lynn Anger, DVM. Mari Anger, DVM
RO336: Darrel R. Kramer, DVM. Darrel Kramer, DVM
RO776: Mesquite Springs Mobile Veterinary Clinic. Jeffrey Brock, DVM
RO860: Amherst Plaza Animal Clinic. Rhonda Cutforth Lepardo, DVM
R1160: Loren Weaver, DVM — Mobile Equine. Loren Weaver, DVM
R2235: Westbrook Animal Hospital, PLC. W.C. Hummel Jr., DVM
Approval of Random Premises Inspections granted.
oe Sr fe Gh
C. Approval of Random Animal Crematory Inspections
1. C0039: All Pets Go to Heaven. John Hassett, Responsible Owner
2. C0036: Family Pet Crematory. Kristen Lietz, Responsible Owner
Approval of Random Animal Crematory Inspections granted
Items Removed From Consent Agenda:
A (9), (16) and (18)
After discussion and consideration, a motion was made by Dr. Wright and seconded by Ms.
Soloman to approve the premises pending inspection and compliance. Motion passed
unanimously.
A (7):
No action taken.
VIII. SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS
No current events.
IX. CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Mr. Johnny Johnson addressed the Board.
X. ESTABLISHMENT OF FUTURE MEETING DATE
The next regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
at 1740 W. Adams Street, Board Room "A," Phoenix, Arizona, 85007. One or more Board
members may appear telephonically.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 3:25 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Victoria Whitmore, Executive Director
Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board — March 16, 2022 — Regular Session Minutes Page 8